2013 Audi S7 Review

 

 It has a beautifully done interior and with the 3.0-liter supercharged V6, it’s a fairly entertaining car to drive. n the S7 we have more power with the turbo V8, sharpened handling, sportier styling touches and an interior that has some of the most supportive and comfortable in the business.
Compared to the A7, the S7 packs 110 more horsepower (310 versus 420) and 81-lb-ft more torque (325 versus 406). Audi says the S7 gets to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, while the A7 needs 5.4 seconds.
In place of the eight-speed torque-converted automatic in the A7 there’s a seven-speed dual-clutch sequential manual in the S7, which happens to be my only big sticking point to the car. I’ll get into that more later on. On the outside, the S7 gets specific fascias, silver mirror caps, side sills and exhaust outlets.

 The cost to upgrade from an A7 Prestige to an S7 (which is only available in Prestige trim) is $12,650, which isn’t too crazy if you consider how quick a sticker price can jump on European cars if you go a little bonkers with options. Is it worth it? I think it is, but the darn dual-clutch transmission is putting a damper on the party.  The engine is a good piece with the 406-lb-ft of delicious torque available at just 1,400 rpm, which is kind of soiled by the slow throttle tip-in response. Throughout the rev range power is strong, which is nice. Slowing matters is also easy with good brakes that easily scrub speed off with a firm pedal feel.

2013 Audi S7 Prestige

Base Price: $79,695
Market Price: $94,570
Power-train: 4.0-liter turbocharged V8; AWD, seven-speed dual-clutch sequential manual
Output: 420 HP  406 Lb-Ft
Curb Weight: 4,508 lb
Fuel Economy (EPA City/Highway): 17/27 MPG
AW Observed Fuel Economy: 15.7 mpg
Options: Bang & Olufsen sound system ($5,900); innovation package including cruise control with stop and go, pre-sense plus, active lane assist and side assist, head-up display, night vision assistant, cornerview camera system, power folding mirrors ($5,600); LED headlights with LED running lamps ($1,400); 20-inch alloy wheels with summer tires ($1,000); carbon atlas inlays ($500); Phantom black pearl effect exterior paint ($475)